Mr Howse, a specialist in litigation and dispute resolution, will bring 13 years of legal experience in Birmingham and Belfast to the international firm’s litigation department.

The appointment follows the firm’s announcement last month that it would aim to double its Belfast headcount in the next year and a half and further grow its Dublin office.

Alan Murphy, managing partner at Eversheds Sutherland, said: “We are thrilled that Matthew has joined us, bolstering the firm even further as we move into a period of expansion in Belfast and Dublin.

“We are ambitious for the future and need the right people to help us do that. Matthew is an impressive individual and will be a strong addition as a partner.”

Mr Howse added: “This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the development of the Eversheds Sutherland presence not only in Belfast, but in Dublin and throughout its international offices.

“Eversheds Sutherland has an outstanding reputation for offering professional advice and its client servicing. This coupled with the plans for growth made it the right time to join.”